Medieval Headwear

In ancient times, before the Middle Ages, each headdress had a purely practical purpose. Viking hoods protected from moisture, Frankish shawls protected from drafts and the sun's heat, and crowns protected from self-cooking dinner. This trend also spread to medieval headdresses. In Western Europe, the shape and color of a hat indicated the occupation of its owner: a doctor usually wore a beret, a scientist chose a black hat, and a beaver cap denoted a notary.

Common people wore cloth caps called coifs. Soldiers and nobles also wore coifs, but the upper class had to buy medieval hats to wear on top. Hats varied, most were made of cloth or felt and shaped like a truncated cone, with or without a brim. The clumsy caps were favored by moralists and pastors, although the head in a coif resembled a large cabbage.

Another common medieval headdress was the chaperon, a long-tailed hood with a cape that was worn as part of a traveling costume. In the early 1300s, someone suggested wearing the chaperon by placing it on the head through the face hole, with the tail and cape hanging down on either side as an ornament. From this point on, its tail extended almost to the ground, forcing the wearer to wrap it around the neck like a scarf.

Medieval men treasured their hats; some fashionistas even wore two hats at the same time, one on their heads and one on their backs. If you want to join them, now is the time to check out our medieval hat shop. Complete your period outfit with one of these great styles:

• silk veil
• wool hood
• medieval chaperon
• veil hat
• Viking hood

Women's medieval headdress

In those days, a woman could not go bareheaded. Uncovered hair was generally considered indecent, and wearing a head covering was strictly prescribed by the church as a sign of respect. Therefore, women wore shawls and veils. Thick bandages wrapped around the head and chin were also typical of the 12th and 13th centuries. These modest accessories could be made of expensive, brightly colored fabrics with decorative trim especially for wealthy ladies. Veils were designed to hide a woman's face, which was declared the most dangerous trap, the "sweet evil" that insidiously ruled the world.

Shop medieval headwear, including period and fantasy styles, online at armsreet.com. We have all kinds of hats and hoods that will make you dream of the distant past!

Medieval hood: iconic headdress of the Middle Ages

The medieval hood, also known as a coif, was a classic garment worn during the Middle Ages, spanning a vast period from roughly the 5th to the late 15th century. This versatile garment served a variety of practical purposes and reflected the social and cultural context of the medieval period and class.

The nobility often wore hoods decorated with fur and elaborate trim and embroidery, reflecting their status. In contrast, the lower classes typically wore simpler hoods that were versatile and functional. The hood could also indicate occupation; for example, some merchants wore distinctive hoods that identified their profession or guild.

What is a chaperone hat?

The chaperon is a distinctive medieval headdress used in the 14th and 15th centuries. The chaperon had a practical purpose, like the medieval hood, it was a garment made of wool, cotton or fur, designed to provide protection from the elements. Characterized by its unique structure, the chaperon often included a long, flowing tail known as a liripipe, which could be draped over the shoulder or wrapped around the head. The unique look of the medieval chaperon has made it a recognizable element of historical costume.

Bonnet: A funny hat worn by a knight; and more.

Traditionally, a coif is a close-fitting cap made of linen or cotton fabric, often decorated or embroidered, that was primarily worn by women and children. This functional garment served several purposes, from modesty to protection from the elements, and its style and meaning have changed over the centuries. Have you ever tried to put on a helmet or chainmail? Especially with chainmail, if you don’t have anything between your head and the chainmail, you’ll have a lot of trouble (and probably lose some hair) removing the armor. So what did knights do? Much like many modern fencers and other athletes, they wanted something on their heads before putting on their helmets, and the medieval coif was an easy and practical thing to wear, which is why we now have pictures of medieval knights wearing these fun medieval hats.

What were Renaissance hats and headdresses like?

As art and culture flourished, so did the depiction of headgear in painting and literature, reflecting an era deeply imbued with the concept of individuality and social status. Portraits from this period, such as those by artists such as Raphael and Titian, often highlight the importance of headgear in shaping the perception of a person’s personality and social status. In addition, an interesting aspect of the Renaissance was the rise of the middle class, so that headgear that was once only available to the nobility became more common and popular among wealthy citizens.